Illegal China iron mine explosion kills 24

Xinhua Shijiazhuang (China), Feb 19 (Xinhua) At least 24 people were killed and five injured in an explosion at an illegal iron mine in north China’s Hebei province, local authorities said Tuesday. The explosion occurred Sunday at the mine in Wu’an City. More than 30 people were trapped in the mine after the explosion, the information office of the local government said.

Twenty-four people were confirmed dead by the time the rescue operation was completed at around 00:30 a.m. Tuesday, said Wang Haibo, an official with the office.

The injured were rushed to a local hospital for treatment, Wang said, adding that the government has set up a task force to investigate the incident. Xinhua